Israel-Premier Tech officially closed its website and social media accounts on Saturday morning, marking a significant shift for the cycling team amid ongoing controversy and protests. This decision follows pro-Palestine demonstrations that disrupted major cycling events, including the Tour de France and the Vuelta España. The team has announced plans for a rebrand, expected to debut in 2026.
The protests, which included mid-race disruptions and the moving of finish lines, prompted backlash against the team’s association with Israel. As a result, several sponsors have reassessed their involvement, leading to the Canadian company Premier Tech ending its partnership with the team. Additionally, bike sponsor Factor indicated they would continue their support only if the team distanced itself from its current branding.
In a recent communication, Israel-Premier Tech confirmed its intention to change its name, with details forthcoming. In a final social media post on Friday, the team expressed gratitude to departing staff and riders, including notable cyclist Chris Froome. The post thanked Froome and others for their contributions, stating, “Thanks for the memories over the last years, we look forward to seeing you in the peloton next year or wherever the next chapter takes you!”
Froome, a four-time Tour de France winner, has been anticipated to retire at the end of his contract, although no official announcement has been made. At 40 years old, his departure from Israel-Premier Tech leaves him without a team, following a career marked by significant achievements tempered by injury. He joined the team in 2021 after leaving Ineos Grenadiers but has struggled to find success since suffering a severe crash at the 2019 Criterium du Dauphine.
Throughout his tenure with Israel-Premier Tech, Froome has largely taken on a domestique role, with limited results in competitions. His last notable performance was a third-place finish at Alpe d’Huez during the 2022 Tour de France. His final race with the team was the Tour of Poland, where he finished 68th overall. A subsequent training crash resulted in significant injuries, including fractured vertebrae and ribs.
Alongside Froome, other riders have also confirmed their departures. Pascal Ackermann is set to join Jayco-AlUla, while Riley Pickrell will move to Modern Adventure Pro Cycling, and Matthew Riccitello is heading to Decathlon CMA CGM. The future destinations of Michael Schwarzmann and Mike Woods remain unannounced.
As the team prepares for this significant transition, the impact of the protests and the rebranding efforts will likely resonate throughout the cycling community in the coming years. The closure of their online presence is a step towards a new identity, aiming to redefine their image in the world of professional cycling.
